CYCLISTS are being urged to get on their bikes in aid of the charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The South Dorset Bikeathon, in celebration of the charity’s 50th birthday, will see cyclists travelling 30, 20 or nine miles from Crossways near Dorchester.

Money raised from the fundraiser will help fund research to find better treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

The bike ride, on September 12, is now in its 12th year of helping Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research beat blood cancers.

Paul Buckrell, the event organiser, said: “When Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research started, the children with leukaemia had little chance of surviving.

“Nowadays, nine out of ten children survive the most common form of childhood leukaemia.

“It would be the icing on the cake if we could raise more than last year’s figure of £7,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research’s 50th birthday.

“Please sign up to the bikeathon, there’s a superb atmosphere on the day and we will make sure you are really well looked after.

“Every penny raised will help us save lives.”

Starting at Crossways village hall at 10.30am, the bikeathon route takes cyclists along country lanes north of Crossways.

Entrants can choose 30, 20 or nine miles and the event is suitable for cyclists of all abilities.

All riders will receive a free T-shirt and commemorative medal at the finish line.

People can also register on the day.

Entry fees are £3 per adult or £1.50 for juniors.

Entrants under 16 years old must have a parent or guardian’s authority to take part and those under 11 years old must be supervised by a participating adult cyclist.

For more information contact Paul Buckrell on 01305 773950.